How do I bridge my modem/router combo device?

If your modem has a built-in router, we recommend that you put its routing functionality into bridge mode to make the best use of your eero(s). By putting your modem/router combo device into bridge mode, you are essentially turning off its WiFi capabilities and passing its Internet connection through to your eero. This step ensures your eero system can work its magic and you can take full advantage of its many advanced features.

Instructions for putting your modem/router combo device in bridge mode will vary widely by ISP and device. We’ve included links to the help articles provided by some of the larger ISPs, but if you can’t figure out how to put your device into bridge mode, we recommend giving your ISP a call.

Before you put your modem/router combo in bridge mode, set up your eero network. Once your network is set up, follow these instructions:

Find a device connected to your existing — non-eero — WiFi network. Open a web browser and go to the web interface of your modem/router combo device. You can usually find the link from your ISP’s webpage.

Log in and provide your username and password.

From this interface, you should find the option to enable bridge mode. After the changes have been saved and applied, your modem/router combo should automatically reboot. If not, you’ll have to reboot it manually. You can do this by hitting the power button on and off or simply unplugging and replugging your device back in. Once it reboots, your device should function solely as a modem.

If for any reason, putting your modem/router combo into bridge mode causes problems, you should contact your ISP. They can usually enable bridge mode for you, or have a customer service representative walk you through the steps.

Once your combo device is in bridge mode, you should disconnect all devices from its LAN ports. The LAN ports are labeled, and there’s usually four of them on any combo device.

After all your devices have been disconnected from your combo device, connect your gateway eero to LAN port 1, then power up that eero. If your eero network were set up before enabling bridge mode, your other eeros wouldn't be affected by the change.

If you need to reconnect devices that were once connected to your modem/router combo, you’ll need a Gigabit switch. Connect the switch to the open Ethernet port on your gateway eero, and then connect as many devices as you’d like to the ports on your switch. Note: For you network to function properly, make sure you don’t connect a switch between your modem and gateway eero. Connect your eero directly to the modem before connecting a switch to your eero (we've got more details on how to connect a switch here).

To re-connect certain devices to your eero network, you might need to forget your wireless network on your device and add it again. We’ve got tips on how to do this here.

Here are a few instructional links provided by some of the major ISPs:

There are some notable exceptions to the general instructions we provided above. If your device doesn't offer bridge mode, you should turn off WiFi on the equipment provided to you by your ISP and put your eeros in bridge mode. You can read more about how to bridge your eeros—and the situations in which this configuration is necessary—here.

If you need any help putting your modem/router combo into bridge mode, feel free to give us a call.